How do you treat hard water for use in a hot tub?


I have a very hard time getting the water right in my hot tub. The ph is high and the water turns rusty after so many chemicals are poured in. The hot tub is for 7-8 people and I think holds 450 gallons but am not sure because it was here when I bought the house. I really want to use it often but can not figure out this water situation.